One of the most talented power forwards ever to play the game, Elvin Hayes used his trademark turnaround jumper and aggressive defense to win a secure place in the NBA record books. Fifth on the all-time list in games (1,303) and third in minutes played (50,000), he missed only nine contests in his 16 years in the league, a tribute to his durability and conditioning. An All-Star for each of his first 12 seasons, he scored more points (27,313) than any other player in NBA history except for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan and Moses Malone. He also ranks fourth on the league's all-time rebounding list with 16,279 boards. Hayes was immensely popular with fans, who appreciated his dominating style of play as well as his persona off the court. In college, Hayes helped to create a powerhouse team at the University of Houston, where he perfected his turnaround jumper as a way to score against taller players. It was in a game at the Houston Astrodome in 1968 that he rose to national prominence by outplaying UCLA sensation Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and sinking two foul shots in the last seconds of the game to knock off the favored Bruins. He was named College Player of the Year by Sporting News and carried the momentum right into the NBA where he suited up with the expansion San Diego Rockets for his rookie 1968-1969 season. In his first year with the Rockets Hayes led the league in scoring with 28.4 points per game, ranked fourth in rebounding with 17.1 rebounds per game, and started at center for the West in the NBA All-Star Game. He also set an NBA rookie record for minutes played in a season (3,695), averaging 45.1 per contest. After one season back in Houston (the Rockets moved before the 1971-1972 season), Hayes was traded to the Baltimore Bullets where coach K.C. Jones moved him to the power forward position. Hayes responded by helping the Bullets to the Central Division Title in 1973. Throughout the 1970s Hayes would continue to pour on the points and lead the Bullets deep into the postseason, including a 1975 NBA Finals appearance, finally taking the team to the promised land in 1978. Hayes was a big part of the Rockets dominating playoff run that year, averaging 21.8 points per game in the postseason en route to the Rockets first NBA Championship. Hayes would take the Rockets back to the NBA Finals the following season, coming up just short of a repeat championship. Hayes was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1990, and six years later was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. He wore this historic San Diego Rockets home uniform circa 1970 before the team moved to Houston. On the back right tail is the "Rawlings" manufacturer’s size 42 tag. Next to this is an additional wash instructions tag. Across the front is "ROCKETS." Below that and on the back is the player number "11." Across the back is the player name "E." All lettering and numbering is done in yellow on green tackle twill. It is autographed on front in black marker and rates a 7. In the back inside of the shorts is the “Sand-Knit” manufacturer’s size 34 tag. On the front left thigh is the hand sewn “San Diego 200th Anniversary 1769-1969” patch, which is hand stitched onto the shorts. The uniform shows game-use and appears to have no alterations of any kind. The autograph is accompanied by a LOA from JSA.